Wirelss USB or PCI?

normski_ · 16 Dec 2006 at 23:05

I have just built two new PC's to go with a 3rd one at home, hence I need to network them together. Two will be in my studio (posh way of saying office obviously!) so will want to use cables to Link them to a wireless modem/router, and the third will be in an upstairs bedroom about 15 metres away and will be used for surfing and also some LAN gaming with the downstairs PC's.

Obviously there are a wealth of wireless modem/routers and I would be looking for something in the 108g+ or pre-n spec.

Couple of questions, is the upstairs PC better of with a PCI wireless card or a USB wireless thing, I would assue the PCI one would be far better, but I cannot find this written in stone.

Anyone with a recommended favourite option for this setup would be more than welcome.

dunc · 16 Dec 2006 at 23:12

I would use the USB variety as (assuming they are the USB cable type not the plug straight into the USB port type) you can move the antennae location to enable the best signal. The PCI ones (unless they have a separate antennae with a cable) usually end up shoved against a wall or in corner or in a cabinet (most people usually want to hide the business end of a PC)

I have always got better reception with USB ones

Dunc

VeNT · 16 Dec 2006 at 23:26

I like the PCI ones as
a) I'm forever running out of USB slots
b) I attach higher gain antenna to them
c) FACT!

normski_ · 18 Dec 2006 at 17:41

Bump....

Curiosityx · 18 Dec 2006 at 18:04

I would always recommend PCI over USB when the situation permits it, its a lot tidier also and can allow for better attennas to be attached to the card.

I will say though that as mentioned you can get USB dongles that allow for the wireless adapter to be relocated for a better signal but as its in your home it shouldnt make a difference.

Avalon · 18 Dec 2006 at 19:04

Just to be the total PITA a USB extension lead will allow you to relocate your dongle to a location you can achieve a better signal, Belkin do exactly this as i'm sure do others. Personally i'd go for the PCI option as the external antenna connection gives you more options incase of signal problems. If you are worried about signal strength then netstumbler and a wifi enabled laptop are your friend.

HangTime · 18 Dec 2006 at 22:01

Personally I go with PCI as a rule for networking devices due to marginally lower latency and cpu overhead. In my house we've got:

1 PCI
1 PCMIA (or whatever the card you stick in a laptop is called)
1 USB

(all Linksys 54g) and tbh I'm hard pushed to tell much difference between them. The PCI card is the only one with a proper aerial though.